Dhyana is the seventh limb of the Astanga Yoga. Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga is a scientific system devised to lead the seeker systematically to self realization. When we practice the first six limbs of the Ashtaga yoga - yama (universal observances), niyama (personal attitudes and principles), asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), and dharana (concentration) we are lead easily to dhyana or meditation.
Dhyana is the culmination of following the first six limbs of the Ashtanga Yoga. When we practice Yam, Niyam, Asan and Pranayama, we develop principles of social and personal conduct , ethics and moral and physical flexibility, strength, energy and vitality. Our body and mind are strengthened and made clean and we are made ready for the next two limbs of the Astanga Yoga – Pratyahara and Dharana. By practicing Pratyahara and Dharana, we learn to withdraw our senses within and concentrate in a limited area. We can withstand external stimuli and focus within. Our consciousness becomes inwards and permeates our body and mind. Then we slide into Dhyana or meditation.
Dhyana can be done in many ways- by chanting a mantra, or watching the breath etc. Whatever method we use, the main principle is to watch the mind without reacting. This means whatever stimuli is provided externally, whatever noise or smell or feel we get from outside does not disturb us. Nor are we disturbed by the posture of the body. We watch the mind as a third party and do not react to it. We see how our mind works and the quality and speed of thoughts that race through it. We become aware of the negativities and vices within us. But we do not react. We sit as mere watchers and observe. When we become observers, the mind becomes tired of racing around and after some time, the speed of thoughts reduce and the mind becomes still for a short period of time. In the beginning it is for a few seconds, but with practice, this period lengthens. Through dhyana, we gain freedom from the monkey tricks of the mind and free ourselves from its slavery.
When the mind stills and there are no thoughts within us, we are present in the state of I AM. Dhyana is a state of pure expanded consciousness which leads us to the last limb of Astanga Yoga called samadhi which is enlightenment. Dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (enlightenment) are the internal, subtle path of yoga called Samyama.
With the help of Pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses) the fifth limb of yoga, we create bridge between the external and the internal world. Through pratyahara, we learn to detach ourselves from the everyday world, but remain aware and observant. This is commonly referred to as “being in the world but not of it.” Without this detachment, it is not possible to meditate.
In meditation, we fix our attention on a single object like breath or a thing like mantra. As our concentration and involvement with the object deepens, our understanding of the object grows. Then the object becomes the subject! This is the state of samadhi where we merge as One with the Light. Then we realize the unity of all creation.
Dhyana may sound difficult but it is not so. The main battle in dhyana is between our desire for self improvement and the hold of the vices and mind over us. When we practice the Ashtanga Yoga systematically, we can overcome the difficulties in meditation. We need patience, dedication and commitment to dhyana. The results of regular practice is improved living and realization that all life is interconnected and is One; that we are not alone but all creation and God is with us. Then the yearning for love and to belong goes away as we belong to all and love all and all belong to and love us.
